We Three Kings

This song was written by John H. Hopkins Jr. for a pageant at General Theological Seminary in 1857 where he was the school’s first instructor of church music. Interestingly enough, this seminary was built on property donated by Clement Clarke Moore who was a well known poet, having written a poem you might remember, it began, “ Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…”

We do not know how many Wise men (Magi) there were. Traditionally, we assume three because there were three gifts mentioned. It is believed that these men originated from the region of current Iraq. This area was known for people who were astronomers and in this case followed an unusual star which indicated a great king was to be honored.

The gifts they brought were significant and meaningful as gifts to this new born king of humanity, .

Gold: The gift of gold was often reserved for royalty. The Magi told King Herod that they had come to see the one born King of the Jews. It is clear that they recognized Jesus as being royal but the question is why? The issue is the star of . The Magi had seen the star and they recognized the importance of the star in the sky as a sign of a spectacular birth. The Magi brought gold in some form, whether it was jewelry, coins, or just pieces, we are not told. The importance of the gift was that it represented the fact that Jesus was royal.

Frankincense: The gift of frankincense is somewhat unusual. Frankincense was a highly valued commodity and somewhat rare. The Jewish people had a common use for frankincense that was directly connected to the worship of God. In the Temple, the Jews prayed before the Altar of Incense which was always kept burning. The substance burned on that altar was frankincense. When frankincense is burned it gives off a sweet smelling white smoke. The smoke rising from the altar of incense represented the prayers of the people rising to God in heaven. The only use of frankincense for Jews was at this altar and it was reserved for the worship of God. The Magi presenting this gift to Jesus represents the fact that He was indeed divine.

Myrrh: The gift of myrrh seems the most odd of the gifts. Myrrh was extremely valuable and had a number of uses. The most common use was a perfume. Sometimes myrrh might be used in the homes of the wealthy to create a pleasant fragrance but was normally reserved for special instances. The major use of myrrh was for burials. Myrrh was placed on the cloths used to wrap bodies for burial to help prevent the smell of decay following death. The Magi presented this gift to Jesus as a representation that He would one day die. The gift almost seems to convey the fact that Jesus was born to die.

Here is a Bible Study that you can do individually or with your family as you read this part of the Christmas Story:

Matthew 2:1-12

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Look over these questions and choose ones that you would like to do with your family.

Open It 1. Why do we give gifts at Christmas? 2. If you could give any gift to anyone, what would you give, to whom, and why? 3. What prompts people to make great sacrifices for others?

Explore It 4. Where was Jesus born? (2:1) 5. During whose reign was Jesus born? (2:1) 6. Who came to visit the young Jesus? (2:1) 7. What external and internal factors prompted the Magi to search for Jesus? (2:2) 8. What title did the Magi give to Jesus? (2:2) 9. How did King Herod react to the visit of the Magi? (2:3-4) 10. Why was a powerful king disturbed by the presence of a helpless baby? (2:3-6) 11. Why is it significant that Christ was born in Bethlehem? (2:5-6) 12. What were King Herod’s instructions to the Magi? (2:8) 13. How were the Magi led to Christ? (2:9-10) 14. What was the Magi’s reaction when they realized they had found the Christ? (2:10) 15. Where was Jesus when the Magi found Him? (2:11) 16. How did the Magi react upon seeing Jesus? (2:11) 17. What gifts did the Magi bring to Jesus? (2:11) 18. Why didn’t the Magi report back to Herod as he had requested? (2:12)

Get It 19. How would you define worship? 20. What sort of activities does worship involve? 21. What are some various "presents" we might give to Christ? 22. How does it feel to have a rival—to feel as though you are being overlooked or replaced? 23. How can a competitive, prideful, or insecure spirit alter a person’s behavior? 24. Why are many people reluctant to donate money to religious causes? 25. What are some specific ways Christians can serve as "stars" and lead others to Christ?

Apply It 26. What starlike, shining deed can you do today to point a non-Christian friend to Christ? 27. What sacrifice do you need to make for Christ this week? 28. What gift of time, effort, or money would demonstrate your love for Jesus this week?